Subd. 1. General. All materials and equipment, except as specifically authorized elsewhere in this chapter, shall be stored within a building or fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining properties.
1. Passenger automobiles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles not currently licensed by the state, or which are incapable of movement under their own power due to mechanical deficiency, which are parked or stored outside for a period in excess of 48 hours, and all materials stored outside in violation of the city ordinances are considered refuse or junk and shall be disposed of pursuant to city regulations.
2. Any accumulation of refuse not stored in containers which comply with City Code, or any accumulation of refuse including car parts which has remained on a property for more than 48 hours is hereby declared to be a nuisance and may be abated by order of the Zoning Administrator, as provided by Minnesota Statutes and Chapter 500 (Nuisance) of the City Code.
3. Temporary storage structures and construction dumpsters shall be allowed in the front yard on an improved surface or in the side yard on an improved or semi-improved surface for a period of no more than 90 days per calendar year. A maximum of 180 days per calendar year may be approved by the Zoning Administrator. Under no circumstances shall these structures be used for temporary living or working quarters.
Subd. 2. Residential Zoning Districts; Exceptions. All personal property shall be stored within a building or fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining properties and public streets, except for the following:
1. Play and recreational facilities;
2. Clothesline pole and wires;
3. Stacked firewood for the burning supply of the property resident;
4. Construction and landscaping materials currently being used on the premises for current construction projects;
5. Agricultural equipment and materials, if these are used or intended for use on the premises within a period of six months; and/or
6. All off-street parking of operable and licensed passenger automobiles and personal or commercial vehicles of less than 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR); in a designated driveway or parking pad, surfaced in compliance with subsection 1006.03.
Subd. 3. Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
1. Outside Storage/Display. Exterior storage and display shall be governed by the respective zoning district in which such use is located.
2. Additional Standards. All exterior storage shall be screened so as not to be visible from adjoining properties and public streets except for the following:
a. Merchandise being displayed for sale in accordance with zoning district requirements; and
b. Materials and equipment currently being used for construction on the premises.
3. Parking of Commercial Vehicles. Up to three commercial vehicles, such as delivery and service trucks up to 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), may be parked without screening if such vehicles relate to the principal use. Construction equipment, trailers, and vehicles over 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shall require screening in compliance with subsection 1006.06.
Subd. 4. All Zoning Districts.
1. Except for temporary construction trailers and mobile services operated by public service agencies (i.e., bookmobile, bloodmobiles, and the like) as allowed by the city, and trailers parked in designated and improved loading area, no vehicle may be used for office, business, industrial manufacturing, testing, or storage of items used with or in a business, commercial, or industrial enterprise, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.
2. The City Council may order the owner of any property to cease or modify open storage uses including existing uses, provided it is found that such use constitutes a threat to the public health, safety, convenience, or general welfare.